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Hadj Hassine I, Ben M'hadheb M, Almalki MA, Gharbi J. Virus-like particles as powerful vaccination strategy against human viruses. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2498. [PMID: 38116958 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, viruses are not only seen as causative agents of viral infectious diseases but also as valuable research materials for various biomedical purposes, including recombinant protein production. When expressed in living or cell-free expression systems, viral structural proteins self-assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs). Mimicking the native form and size of viruses and lacking the genetic material, VLPs are safe and highly immunogenic and thus can be exploited to develop antiviral vaccines. Some vaccines based on VLPs against various infectious pathogens have already been licenced for human use and are available in the commercial market, the latest of which is a VLP-based vaccine to protect against the novel Coronavirus. Despite the success and popularity of VLP subunit vaccines, many more VLPs are still in different stages of design, production, and approval. There are still many challenges that require to be addressed in the future before this surface display system can be widely used as an effective vaccine strategy in combating infectious diseases. In this review, we highlight the use of structural viral proteins to produce VLPs, emphasising their intrinsic properties, structural classification, and main expression host systems. We also compiled the recent scientific literature about VLP-based vaccines to underline the recent advances in their application as a vaccine strategy for preventing and fighting virulent human pathogens. Finally, we presented the key challenges and possible solutions for VLP-based vaccine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikbel Hadj Hassine
- Virology and Antiviral Strategies Research Unit UR17ES30, Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- USCR-SAG Unit, Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastirs, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Manel Ben M'hadheb
- Virology and Antiviral Strategies Research Unit UR17ES30, Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- USCR-SAG Unit, Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastirs, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mohammed A Almalki
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawhar Gharbi
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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Xue Q, Swevers L, Taning CNT. Plant and insect virus-like particles: emerging nanoparticles for agricultural pest management. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:2975-2991. [PMID: 37103223 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) represent a biodegradable, biocompatible nanomaterial made from viral coat proteins that can improve the delivery of antigens, drugs, nucleic acids, and other substances, with most applications in human and veterinary medicine. Regarding agricultural viruses, many insect and plant virus coat proteins have been shown to assemble into VLPs accurately. In addition, some plant virus-based VLPs have been used in medical studies. However, to our knowledge, the potential application of plant/insect virus-based VLPs in agriculture remains largely underexplored. This review focuses on why and how to engineer coat proteins of plant/insect viruses as functionalized VLPs, and how to exploit VLPs in agricultural pest control. The first part of the review describes four different engineering strategies for loading cargo at the inner or the outer surface of VLPs depending on the type of cargo and purpose. Second, the literature on plant and insect viruses the coat proteins of which have been confirmed to self-assemble into VLPs is reviewed. These VLPs are good candidates for developing VLP-based agricultural pest control strategies. Lastly, the concepts of plant/insect virus-based VLPs for delivering insecticidal and antiviral components (e.g., double-stranded RNA, peptides, and chemicals) are discussed, which provides future prospects of VLP application in agricultural pest control. In addition, some concerns are raised about VLP production on a large scale and the short-term resistance of hosts to VLP uptake. Overall, this review is expected to stimulate interest and research exploring plant/insect virus-based VLP applications in agricultural pest management. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xue
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Diamos AG, Pardhe MD, Bergeman MH, Kamzina AS, DiPalma MP, Aman S, Chaves A, Lowe K, Kilbourne J, Hogue IB, Mason HS. A self-binding immune complex vaccine elicits strong neutralizing responses against herpes simplex virus in mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1085911. [PMID: 37205110 PMCID: PMC10186352 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1085911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction It has been known for over half a century that mixing an antigen with its cognate antibody in an immune complex (IC) can enhance antigen immunogenicity. However, many ICs produce inconsistent immune responses, and the use of ICs in the development new vaccines has been limited despite the otherwise widespread success of antibody-based therapeutics. To address this problem, we designed a self-binding recombinant immune complex (RIC) vaccine which mimics the larger ICs generated during natural infection. Materials and methods In this study, we created two novel vaccine candidates: 1) a traditional IC targeting herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) by mixing glycoprotein D (gD) with a neutralizing antibody (gD-IC); and 2) an RIC consisting of gD fused to an immunoglobulin heavy chain and then tagged with its own binding site, allowing self-binding (gD-RIC). We characterized the complex size and immune receptor binding characteristics in vitro for each preparation. Then, the in vivo immunogenicity and virus neutralization of each vaccine were compared in mice. Results gD-RIC formed larger complexes which enhanced C1q receptor binding 25-fold compared to gD-IC. After immunization of mice, gD-RIC elicited up to 1,000-fold higher gD-specific antibody titers compared to traditional IC, reaching endpoint titers of 1:500,000 after two doses without adjuvant. The RIC construct also elicited stronger virus-specific neutralization against HSV-2, as well as stronger cross-neutralization against HSV-1, although the proportion of neutralizing antibodies to total antibodies was somewhat reduced in the RIC group. Discussion This work demonstrates that the RIC system overcomes many of the pitfalls of traditional IC, providing potent immune responses against HSV-2 gD. Based on these findings, further improvements to the RIC system are discussed. RIC have now been shown to be capable of inducing potent immune responses to a variety of viral antigens, underscoring their broad potential as a vaccine platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G. Diamos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ian B. Hogue
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Hugh S. Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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Eidenberger L, Kogelmann B, Steinkellner H. Plant-based biopharmaceutical engineering. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:426-439. [PMID: 37317690 PMCID: PMC10030082 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00044-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Plants can be engineered to recombinantly produce high-quality proteins such as therapeutic proteins and vaccines, also known as molecular farming. Molecular farming can be established in various settings with minimal cold-chain requirements and could thus ensure rapid and global-scale deployment of biopharmaceuticals, promoting equitable access to pharmaceuticals. State of the art plant-based engineering relies on rationally assembled genetic circuits, engineered to enable the high-throughput and rapid expression of multimeric proteins with complex post-translational modifications. In this Review, we discuss the design of expression hosts and vectors, including Nicotiana benthamiana, viral elements and transient expression vectors, for the production of biopharmaceuticals in plants. We examine engineering of post-translational modifications and highlight the plant-based expression of monoclonal antibodies and nanoparticles, such as virus-like particles and protein bodies. Techno-economic analyses suggest a cost advantage of molecular farming compared with mammalian cell-based protein production systems. However, regulatory challenges remain to be addressed to enable the widespread translation of plant-based biopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Eidenberger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Kogelmann
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- acib — Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herta Steinkellner
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Coates RJ, Young MT, Scofield S. Optimising expression and extraction of recombinant proteins in plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1074531. [PMID: 36570881 PMCID: PMC9773421 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1074531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant proteins are of paramount importance for research, industrial and medical use. Numerous expression chassis are available for recombinant protein production, and while bacterial and mammalian cell cultures are the most widely used, recent developments have positioned transgenic plant chassis as viable and often preferential options. Plant chassis are easily maintained at low cost, are hugely scalable, and capable of producing large quantities of protein bearing complex post-translational modification. Several protein targets, including antibodies and vaccines against human disease, have been successfully produced in plants, highlighting the significant potential of plant chassis. The aim of this review is to act as a guide to producing recombinant protein in plants, discussing recent progress in the field and summarising the factors that must be considered when utilising plants as recombinant protein expression systems, with a focus on optimising recombinant protein expression at the genetic level, and the subsequent extraction and purification of target proteins, which can lead to substantial improvements in protein stability, yield and purity.
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Reynolds B, McGarvey B, Todd J. Agronomics of high density tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) production for protein and chemicals in Canada. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2022.102357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Can Virus-like Particles Be Used as Synergistic Agent in Pest Management? Viruses 2022; 14:v14050943. [PMID: 35632685 PMCID: PMC9144638 DOI: 10.3390/v14050943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Among novel strategies proposed in pest management, synergistic agents are used to improve insecticide efficacy through an elevation of intracellular calcium concentration that activates the calcium-dependent intracellular pathway. This leads to a changed target site conformation and to increased sensitivity to insecticides while reducing their concentrations. Because virus-like particles (VLPs) increase the intracellular calcium concentration, they can be used as a synergistic agent to synergize the effect of insecticides. VLPs are self-assembled viral protein complexes, and by contrast to entomopathogen viruses, they are devoid of genetic material, which makes them non-infectious and safer than viruses. Although VLPs are well-known to be used in human health, we propose in this study the development of a promising strategy based on the use of VLPs as synergistic agents in pest management. This will lead to increased insecticides efficacy while reducing their concentrations.
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Ruocco V, Strasser R. Transient Expression of Glycosylated SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in Nicotiana benthamiana. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1093. [PMID: 35448821 PMCID: PMC9033091 DOI: 10.3390/plants11081093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic very dramatically shows that the world lacks preparedness for novel viral diseases. In addition to newly emerging viruses, many known pathogenic viruses such as influenza are constantly evolving, leading to frequent outbreaks with severe diseases and deaths. Hence, infectious viruses are a recurrent burden to our daily life, and powerful strategies to stop the spread of human pathogens and disease progression are of utmost importance. Transient plant-based protein expression is a technology that allows fast and highly flexible manufacturing of recombinant viral proteins and, thus, can contribute to infectious disease detection and prevention. This review highlights recent progress in the transient production of viral glycoproteins in N. benthamiana with a focus on SARS-CoV-2-derived viral antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria;
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Abstract
Human noroviruses are the most common viral cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific therapeutics to treat the disease. Some obstacles delaying the development of a norovirus vaccine are: (i) the extreme diversity presented by noroviruses; (ii) our incomplete understanding of immunity to noroviruses; and (iii) the lack of a robust cell culture system or animal model for human noroviruses. Recent advances in in vitro cultivation of norovirus, novel approaches applied to viral genomics and immunity, and completion of vaccine trials and birth cohort studies have provided new information toward a better understanding of norovirus immunity. Here, we will discuss the complex relationship between norovirus diversity and correlates of protection for human noroviruses, and how this information could be used to guide the development of cross-protective vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Ford-Siltz
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Kentaro Tohma
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Gabriel I. Parra
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States,CONTACT Gabriel I. Parra Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Building 52/72, Room 1308, Silver Spring, MD20993, United States
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10
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Tariq H, Batool S, Asif S, Ali M, Abbasi BH. Virus-Like Particles: Revolutionary Platforms for Developing Vaccines Against Emerging Infectious Diseases. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:790121. [PMID: 35046918 PMCID: PMC8761975 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.790121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures that possess diverse applications in therapeutics, immunization, and diagnostics. With the recent advancements in biomedical engineering technologies, commercially available VLP-based vaccines are being extensively used to combat infectious diseases, whereas many more are in different stages of development in clinical studies. Because of their desired characteristics in terms of efficacy, safety, and diversity, VLP-based approaches might become more recurrent in the years to come. However, some production and fabrication challenges must be addressed before VLP-based approaches can be widely used in therapeutics. This review offers insight into the recent VLP-based vaccines development, with an emphasis on their characteristics, expression systems, and potential applicability as ideal candidates to combat emerging virulent pathogens. Finally, the potential of VLP-based vaccine as viable and efficient immunizing agents to induce immunity against virulent infectious agents, including, SARS-CoV-2 and protein nanoparticle-based vaccines has been elaborated. Thus, VLP vaccines may serve as an effective alternative to conventional vaccine strategies in combating emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasnat Tariq
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sannia Batool
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saaim Asif
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Ali
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Pakistan
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Sa-nguanmoo N, Namdee K, Khongkow M, Ruktanonchai U, Zhao Y, Liang XJ. Review: Development of SARS-CoV-2 immuno-enhanced COVID-19 vaccines with nano-platform. NANO RESEARCH 2022; 15:2196-2225. [PMID: 34659650 PMCID: PMC8501370 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-021-3832-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccine development approaches consist of viral vector vaccines, DNA vaccine, RNA vaccine, live attenuated virus, and recombinant proteins, which elicit a specific immune response. The use of nanoparticles displaying antigen is one of the alternative approaches to conventional vaccines. This is due to the fact that nano-based vaccines are stable, able to target, form images, and offer an opportunity to enhance the immune responses. The diameters of ultrafine nanoparticles are in the range of 1-100 nm. The application of nanotechnology on vaccine design provides precise fabrication of nanomaterials with desirable properties and ability to eliminate undesirable features. To be successful, nanomaterials must be uptaken into the cell, especially into the target and able to modulate cellular functions at the subcellular levels. The advantages of nano-based vaccines are the ability to protect a cargo such as RNA, DNA, protein, or synthesis substance and have enhanced stability in a broad range of pH, ambient temperatures, and humidity for long-term storage. Moreover, nano-based vaccines can be engineered to overcome biological barriers such as nonspecific distribution in order to elicit functions in antigen presenting cells. In this review, we will summarize on the developing COVID-19 vaccine strategies and how the nanotechnology can enhance antigen presentation and strong immunogenicity using advanced technology in nanocarrier to deliver antigens. The discussion about their safe, effective, and affordable vaccines to immunize against COVID-19 will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawamin Sa-nguanmoo
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Katawut Namdee
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, 12120 Thailand
| | - Mattaka Khongkow
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, 12120 Thailand
| | - Uracha Ruktanonchai
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, 12120 Thailand
| | - YongXiang Zhao
- National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumour Theranostics and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
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Lucero Y, Matson DO, Ashkenazi S, George S, O’Ryan M. Norovirus: Facts and Reflections from Past, Present, and Future. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122399. [PMID: 34960668 PMCID: PMC8707792 DOI: 10.3390/v13122399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Norovirus is currently the main viral cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGEs) in most countries worldwide. Nearly 50 years after the discovery of the "Norwalk virus" by Kapikian and colleagues, the scientific and medical community continue to generate new knowledge on the full biological and disease spectrum of Norovirus infection. Nevertheless, several areas remain incompletely understood due to the serious constraints to effectively replicate and propagate the virus. Here, we present a narrated historic perspective and summarize our current knowledge, including insights and reflections on current points of interest for a broad medical community, including clinical and molecular epidemiology, viral-host-microbiota interactions, antivirals, and vaccine prototypes. We also include a reflection on the present and future impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Norovirus infection and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalda Lucero
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (Y.L.); (S.G.)
- Hospital Dr. Roberto del Río Hospital, Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery (Northern Campus), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380418, Chile
- Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad del Desarrollo-Clínica Alemana, Santiago 7650568, Chile
| | - David O. Matson
- Eastern Shore Health Department, Virginia Department of Public Health, Accomack County, VA 23301, USA;
| | - Shai Ashkenazi
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
- Department of Pediatrics A, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petach Tikva 49202, Israel
| | - Sergio George
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (Y.L.); (S.G.)
| | - Miguel O’Ryan
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (Y.L.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Hemmati F, Hemmati-Dinarvand M, Karimzade M, Rutkowska D, Eskandari MH, Khanizadeh S, Afsharifar A. Plant-derived VLP: a worthy platform to produce vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Biotechnol Lett 2021; 44:45-57. [PMID: 34837582 PMCID: PMC8626723 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-021-03211-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
After its emergence in late 2019 SARS-CoV-2 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020 and has claimed more than 2.8 million lives. There has been a massive global effort to develop vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and the rapid and low cost production of large quantities of vaccine is urgently needed to ensure adequate supply to both developed and developing countries. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are composed of viral antigens that self-assemble into structures that mimic the structure of native viruses but lack the viral genome. Thus they are not only a safer alternative to attenuated or inactivated vaccines but are also able to induce potent cellular and humoral immune responses and can be manufactured recombinantly in expression systems that do not require viral replication. VLPs have successfully been produced in bacteria, yeast, insect and mammalian cell cultures, each production platform with its own advantages and limitations. Plants offer a number of advantages in one production platform, including proper eukaryotic protein modification and assembly, increased safety, low cost, high scalability as well as rapid production speed, a critical factor needed to control outbreaks of potential pandemics. Plant-based VLP-based viral vaccines currently in clinical trials include, amongst others, Hepatitis B virus, Influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Here we discuss the importance of plants as a next generation expression system for the fast, scalable and low cost production of VLP-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshad Hemmati
- Plant Virology Research Center, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Hemmati-Dinarvand
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marziye Karimzade
- Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Daria Rutkowska
- CSIR Next Generation Health, PO Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Mohammad Hadi Eskandari
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sayyad Khanizadeh
- Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Alireza Afsharifar
- Plant Virology Research Center, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
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Boonyakida J, Utomo DIS, Soma FN, Park EY. Two-step purification of tag-free norovirus-like particles from silkworm larvae (Bombyx mori). Protein Expr Purif 2021; 190:106010. [PMID: 34737040 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2021.106010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Recombinantly expressed VP1 of norovirus self-assembled and formed norovirus-like particles (NoV-LPs). This native VP1 was expressed using the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) expression system in silkworm larva. NoV-LPs were collected from silkworm fat body lysate by density gradient centrifugation. To improve the purity of the NoV-LP, the proteins were further purified using immobilized metal affinity chromatography based on the surface exposed side chain of histidine residues. The additional purification led to a highly purified virus-like particle (VLP). The morphology and size of the purified VLPs were examined using a transmission electron microscope, and dynamic light scattering revealed a monodispersed spherical morphology with a diameter of 34 nm. The purified product had a purity of >90% with a recovery yield of 48.7% (equivalent to 930 μg) from crude lysate, obtained from seven silkworm larvae. In addition, the purified VLP could be recognized by antibodies against GII norovirus in sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which indicated that the silkworm-derived VLP is biologically functional as a NoV-LP in its native state, is structurally correct, and exerts its biological function. Our results suggest that the silkworm-derived NoV-LP may be useful for subsequent applications, such as in a vaccine platform. Moreover, the silkworm-based expression system is known for its robustness, facile up-scalability, and relatively low expense compared to insect cell systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirayu Boonyakida
- Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Doddy Irawan Setyo Utomo
- Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Fahmida Nasrin Soma
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Enoch Y Park
- Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan; Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
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Castillo-Esparza JF, Gómez-Lim MA. Transient Expression in Cytoplasm and Apoplast of Rotavirus VP6 Protein Fused to Anti-DEC205 Antibody in Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana sylvestris. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:973-982. [PMID: 34146324 PMCID: PMC8214057 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00359-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and children worldwide and is responsible for about 215,000 deaths annually. Over 85% of these deaths originate in low-income/developing countries in Asia and Africa. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the development of vaccines that avoid the use of "living" viruses and furthermore, vaccines that have viral antigens capable of generating powerful heterotypic responses. Our strategy is based on the expression of the fusion of the anti-DEC205 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) coupled by an OLLAS tag to a viral protein (VP6) of Rotavirus in Nicotiana plants. It was possible to express transiently in N. benthamiana and N. sylvestris a recombinant protein consisting of the single chain variable fragment linked by an OLLAS tag to the VP6 protein. The presence of the recombinant protein, which had a molecular weight of approximately 75 kDa, was confirmed by immunodetection, in both plant species and in both cellular compartments (cytoplasm and apoplast) where it was expressed. In addition, the recombinant protein was modeled, and it was observed that some epitopes of interest are exposed on the surface, which could favor their immunogenic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Francisco Castillo-Esparza
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, 36824, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.
| | - Miguel A Gómez-Lim
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, 36824, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.
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16
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Shanmugaraj B, Siriwattananon K, Malla A, Phoolcharoen W. Potential for Developing Plant-Derived Candidate Vaccines and Biologics against Emerging Coronavirus Infections. Pathogens 2021; 10:1051. [PMID: 34451516 PMCID: PMC8400130 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging human coronavirus infections in the 21st century remain a major public health crisis causing worldwide impact and challenging the global health care system. The virus is circulating in several zoonotic hosts and continuously evolving, causing occasional outbreaks due to spill-over events occurring between animals and humans. Hence, the development of effective vaccines or therapeutic interventions is the current global priority in order to reduce disease severity, frequent outbreaks, and to prevent future infections. Vaccine development for newly emerging pathogens takes a long time, which hinders rapid immunization programs. The concept of plant-based pharmaceuticals can be readily applied to meet the recombinant protein demand by means of transient expression. Plants are evolved as an expression platform, and they bring a combination of unique interests in terms of rapid scalability, flexibility, and economy for industrial-scale production of effective vaccines, diagnostic reagents, and other biopharmaceuticals. Plants offer safe biologics to fulfill emergency demands, especially during pandemic situations or outbreaks caused by emerging strains. This review highlights the features of a plant expression platform for producing recombinant biopharmaceuticals to combat coronavirus infections with emphasis on COVID-19 vaccine and biologics development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konlavat Siriwattananon
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Ashwini Malla
- Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd., Bangkok 10250, Thailand; (B.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd., Bangkok 10250, Thailand; (B.S.); (A.M.)
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
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17
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Zhang M, Fu M, Hu Q. Advances in Human Norovirus Vaccine Research. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070732. [PMID: 34358148 PMCID: PMC8310286 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human norovirus (HuNoV) is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide, which is highly stable and contagious, with a few virus particles being sufficient to establish infection. Although the World Health Organization in 2016 stated that it should be an absolute priority to develop a HuNoV vaccine, unfortunately, there is currently no licensed HuNoV vaccine available. The major barrier to the development of an effective HuNoV vaccine is the lack of a robust and reproducible in vitro cultivation system. To develop a HuNoV vaccine, HuNoV immunogen alone or in combination with other viral immunogens have been designed to assess whether they can simultaneously induce protective immune responses against different viruses. Additionally, monovalent and multivalent vaccines from different HuNoV genotypes, including GI and GII HuNoV virus-like particles (VLPs), have been assessed in order to induce broad protection. Although there are several HuNoV vaccine candidates based on VLPs that are being tested in clinical trials, the challenges to develop effective HuNoV vaccines remain largely unresolved. In this review, we summarize the advances of the HuNoV cultivation system and HuNoV vaccine research and discuss current challenges and future perspectives in HuNoV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China;
| | - Ming Fu
- The Joint Center of Translational Precision Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou 510623, China;
- The Joint Center of Translational Precision Medicine, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qinxue Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
- Correspondence:
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18
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Abstract
Transient protein expression in plant cells is less time consuming than the production of whole transgenic plants. For transient expression, agroinfiltration is a simple and effective method to deliver transgenes into plant cells. After an Agrobacterium infection, recombinant proteins can be produced in plant cells from 3 to 10days. To increase protein yield, a deconstructed viral vector has been used. This chapter provides a detailed description of the transient expression of recombinant proteins in a well-developed host strain of Nicotiana benthamiana. This study also describes the necessary steps for the extraction of soluble proteins from agroinfiltrated leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Nosaki
- Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kenji Miura
- Tsukuba-Plant Innovation Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.
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19
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Chiong KT, Cody WB, Scholthof HB. RNA silencing suppressor-influenced performance of a virus vector delivering both guide RNA and Cas9 for CRISPR gene editing. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6769. [PMID: 33762584 PMCID: PMC7990971 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85366-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on further development of the agroinfiltratable Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)-based overexpression (TRBO) vector to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 components into plants. First, production of a Cas9 (HcoCas9) protein from a binary plasmid increased when co-expressed in presence of suppressors of gene silencing, such as the TMV 126-kDa replicase or the Tomato bushy stunt virus P19 protein. Such suppressor-generated elevated levels of Cas9 expression translated to efficient gene editing mediated by TRBO-G-3'gGFP expressing GFP and also a single guide RNA targeting the mgfp5 gene in the Nicotiana benthamiana GFP-expressing line 16c. Furthermore, HcoCas9 encoding RNA, a large cargo insert of 4.2 kb, was expressed from TRBO-HcoCas9 to yield Cas9 protein again at higher levels upon co-expression with P19. Likewise, co-delivery of TRBO-HcoCas9 and TRBO-G-3'gGFP in the presence of P19 also resulted in elevated levels percentages of indels (insertions and deletions). These data also revealed an age-related phenomenon in plants whereby the RNA suppressor P19 had more of an effect in older plants. Lastly, we used a single TRBO vector to express both Cas9 and a sgRNA. Taken together, we suggest that viral RNA suppressors could be used for further optimization of single viral vector delivery of CRISPR gene editing parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin T Chiong
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Will B Cody
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shriram Center for Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Herman B Scholthof
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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20
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Transient Gene Expression: an Approach for Recombinant Vaccine Production. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.52547/jommid.9.1.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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21
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Nooraei S, Bahrulolum H, Hoseini ZS, Katalani C, Hajizade A, Easton AJ, Ahmadian G. Virus-like particles: preparation, immunogenicity and their roles as nanovaccines and drug nanocarriers. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:59. [PMID: 33632278 PMCID: PMC7905985 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00806-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are virus-derived structures made up of one or more different molecules with the ability to self-assemble, mimicking the form and size of a virus particle but lacking the genetic material so they are not capable of infecting the host cell. Expression and self-assembly of the viral structural proteins can take place in various living or cell-free expression systems after which the viral structures can be assembled and reconstructed. VLPs are gaining in popularity in the field of preventive medicine and to date, a wide range of VLP-based candidate vaccines have been developed for immunization against various infectious agents, the latest of which is the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the efficacy of which is being evaluated. VLPs are highly immunogenic and are able to elicit both the antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses by pathways different from those elicited by conventional inactivated viral vaccines. However, there are still many challenges to this surface display system that need to be addressed in the future. VLPs that are classified as subunit vaccines are subdivided into enveloped and non- enveloped subtypes both of which are discussed in this review article. VLPs have also recently received attention for their successful applications in targeted drug delivery and for use in gene therapy. The development of more effective and targeted forms of VLP by modification of the surface of the particles in such a way that they can be introduced into specific cells or tissues or increase their half-life in the host is likely to expand their use in the future. Recent advances in the production and fabrication of VLPs including the exploration of different types of expression systems for their development, as well as their applications as vaccines in the prevention of infectious diseases and cancers resulting from their interaction with, and mechanism of activation of, the humoral and cellular immune systems are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghi Nooraei
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Howra Bahrulolum
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Zakieh Sadat Hoseini
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Camellia Katalani
- Sari Agriculture Science and Natural Resource University (SANRU), Genetics and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT), Sari, Iran
| | - Abbas Hajizade
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrew J Easton
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Gholamreza Ahmadian
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran.
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22
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He J, Lai H, Esqueda A, Chen Q. Plant-Produced Antigen Displaying Virus-Like Particles Evokes Potent Antibody Responses against West Nile Virus in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:60. [PMID: 33477363 PMCID: PMC7830312 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we developed a hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg)-based virus-like particle (VLP) that displays the West Nile virus (WNV) Envelope protein domain III (wDIII) as a vaccine candidate for WNV. The HBcAg-wDIII fusion protein was quickly produced in Nicotiana benthamiana plants and reached a high expression level of approximately 1.2 mg of fusion protein per gram of leaf fresh weight within six days post gene infiltration. Electron microscopy and gradient centrifugation analysis indicated that the introduction of wDIII did not interfere with VLP formation and HBcAg-wDIII successfully assembled into VLPs. HBcAg-wDIII VLPs can be easily purified in large quantities from Nicotiana benthamiana leaves to >95% homogeneity. Further analysis revealed that the wDIII was displayed properly and demonstrated specific binding to an anti-wDIII monoclonal antibody that recognizes a conformational epitope of wDIII. Notably, HBcAg-wDIII VLPs were shown to be highly immunogenic and elicited potent humoral responses in mice with antigen-specific IgG titers equivalent to that of protective wDIII antigens in previous studies. Thus, our wDIII-based VLP vaccine offers an attractive option for developing effective, safe, and low-cost vaccines against WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyun He
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; (J.H.); (H.L.); (A.E.)
| | - Huafang Lai
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; (J.H.); (H.L.); (A.E.)
| | - Adrian Esqueda
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; (J.H.); (H.L.); (A.E.)
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Qiang Chen
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; (J.H.); (H.L.); (A.E.)
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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23
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Abstract
Various systems exist for the robust production of recombinant proteins. However, only a few systems are optimal for human vaccine protein production. Plant-based transient protein expression systems offer an advantageous alternative to costly mammalian cell culture-based systems and can perform posttranslational modifications due to the presence of an endomembrane system that is largely similar to that of the animal cell. Technological advances in expression vectors for transient expression in the last two decades have produced new plant expression systems with the flexibility and speed that cannot be matched by those based on mammalian or insect cell culture. The rapid and high-level protein production capability of transient expression systems makes them the optimal system to quickly and versatilely develop and produce vaccines against viruses such as 2019-nCoV that have sudden and unpredictable outbreaks. Here, expression of antiviral subunit vaccines in Nicotiana benthamiana plants via transient expression is demonstrated.
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24
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Ghag SB, Adki VS, Ganapathi TR, Bapat VA. Plant Platforms for Efficient Heterologous Protein Production. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2021; 26:546-567. [PMID: 34393545 PMCID: PMC8346785 DOI: 10.1007/s12257-020-0374-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Production of recombinant proteins is primarily established in cultures of mammalian, insect and bacterial cells. Concurrently, concept of using plants to produce high-value pharmaceuticals such as vaccines, antibodies, and dietary proteins have received worldwide attention. Newer technologies for plant transformation such as plastid engineering, agroinfiltration, magnifection, and deconstructed viral vectors have been used to enhance the protein production in plants along with the inherent advantage of speed, scale, and cost of production in plant systems. Production of therapeutic proteins in plants has now a more pragmatic approach when several plant-produced vaccines and antibodies successfully completed Phase I clinical trials in humans and were further scheduled for regulatory approvals to manufacture clinical grade products on a large scale which are safe, efficacious, and meet the quality standards. The main thrust of this review is to summarize the data accumulated over the last two decades and recent development and achievements of the plant derived therapeutics. It also attempts to discuss different strategies employed to increase the production so as to make plants more competitive with the established production systems in this industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhesh B. Ghag
- School of Biological Sciences, UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, University of Mumbai campus, Kalina, Santacruz, Mumbai, 400098 India
| | - Vinayak S. Adki
- V. G. Shivdare College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Solapur, Maharashtra 413004 India
| | - Thumballi R. Ganapathi
- Plant Cell Culture Technology Section, Nuclear Agriculture & Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085 India
| | - Vishwas A. Bapat
- Department of Biotechnology, Shivaji University, Vidyanagar, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416004 India
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25
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Diamos AG, Pardhe MD, Sun H, Hunter JGL, Kilbourne J, Chen Q, Mason HS. A Highly Expressing, Soluble, and Stable Plant-Made IgG Fusion Vaccine Strategy Enhances Antigen Immunogenicity in Mice Without Adjuvant. Front Immunol 2020; 11:576012. [PMID: 33343565 PMCID: PMC7746858 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.576012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutics based on fusing a protein of interest to the IgG Fc domain have been enormously successful, though fewer studies have investigated the vaccine potential of IgG fusions. In this study, we systematically compared the key properties of seven different plant-made human IgG1 fusion vaccine candidates using Zika virus (ZIKV) envelope domain III (ZE3) as a model antigen. Complement protein C1q binding of the IgG fusions was enhanced by: 1) antigen fusion to the IgG N-terminus; 2) removal of the IgG light chain or Fab regions; 3) addition of hexamer-inducing mutations in the IgG Fc; 4) adding a self-binding epitope tag to create recombinant immune complexes (RIC); or 5) producing IgG fusions in plants that lack plant-specific β1,2-linked xylose and α1,3-linked fucose N-linked glycans. We also characterized the expression, solubility, and stability of the IgG fusions. By optimizing immune complex formation, a potently immunogenic vaccine candidate with improved solubility and high stability was produced at 1.5 mg IgG fusion per g leaf fresh weight. In mice, the IgG fusions elicited high titers of Zika-specific antibodies which neutralized ZIKV using only two doses without adjuvant, reaching up to 150-fold higher antibody titers than ZE3 antigen alone. We anticipate these findings will be broadly applicable to the creation of other vaccines and antibody-based therapeutics.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Antigens, Viral/genetics
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- Antigens, Viral/pharmacology
- Complement C1q/metabolism
- Drug Stability
- Epitopes
- Female
- Immunization
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Immunoglobulin G/genetics
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Immunoglobulin G/pharmacology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Plant Leaves/genetics
- Plant Leaves/metabolism
- Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics
- Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism
- Protein Binding
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- Solubility
- Nicotiana/genetics
- Nicotiana/metabolism
- Vaccines, Subunit/pharmacology
- Viral Envelope Proteins/genetics
- Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology
- Viral Envelope Proteins/pharmacology
- Viral Vaccines/genetics
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
- Viral Vaccines/pharmacology
- Zika Virus/immunology
- Zika Virus/pathogenicity
- Zika Virus Infection/immunology
- Zika Virus Infection/prevention & control
- Zika Virus Infection/virology
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G. Diamos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Mary D. Pardhe
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Haiyan Sun
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Joseph G. L. Hunter
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Jacquelyn Kilbourne
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Qiang Chen
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Hugh S. Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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26
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Shanmugaraj B, I. Bulaon CJ, Phoolcharoen W. Plant Molecular Farming: A Viable Platform for Recombinant Biopharmaceutical Production. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9070842. [PMID: 32635427 PMCID: PMC7411908 DOI: 10.3390/plants9070842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The demand for recombinant proteins in terms of quality, quantity, and diversity is increasing steadily, which is attracting global attention for the development of new recombinant protein production technologies and the engineering of conventional established expression systems based on bacteria or mammalian cell cultures. Since the advancements of plant genetic engineering in the 1980s, plants have been used for the production of economically valuable, biologically active non-native proteins or biopharmaceuticals, the concept termed as plant molecular farming (PMF). PMF is considered as a cost-effective technology that has grown and advanced tremendously over the past two decades. The development and improvement of the transient expression system has significantly reduced the protein production timeline and greatly improved the protein yield in plants. The major factors that drive the plant-based platform towards potential competitors for the conventional expression system are cost-effectiveness, scalability, flexibility, versatility, and robustness of the system. Many biopharmaceuticals including recombinant vaccine antigens, monoclonal antibodies, and other commercially viable proteins are produced in plants, some of which are in the pre-clinical and clinical pipeline. In this review, we consider the importance of a plant- based production system for recombinant protein production, and its potential to produce biopharmaceuticals is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Christine Joy I. Bulaon
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-2-218-8359; Fax: +66-2-218-8357
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27
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Diamos AG, Pardhe MD, Sun H, Hunter JGL, Mor T, Meador L, Kilbourne J, Chen Q, Mason HS. Codelivery of improved immune complex and virus-like particle vaccines containing Zika virus envelope domain III synergistically enhances immunogenicity. Vaccine 2020; 38:3455-3463. [PMID: 32173095 PMCID: PMC7102565 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.02.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) reemergence poses a significant health threat especially due to its risks to fetal development, necessitating safe and effective vaccines that can protect pregnant women. Zika envelope domain III (ZE3) has been identified as a safe and effective vaccine candidate, however it is poorly immunogenic. We previously showed that plant-made recombinant immune complex (RIC) vaccines are a robust platform to improve the immunogenicity of weak antigens. In this study, we altered the antigen fusion site on the RIC platform to accommodate N-terminal fusion to the IgG heavy chain (N-RIC), and thus a wider range of antigens, with a resulting 40% improvement in RIC expression over the normal C-terminal fusion (C-RIC). Both types of RICs containing ZE3 were efficiently assembled in plants and purified to >95% homogeneity with a simple one-step purification. Both ZE3 RICs strongly bound complement receptor C1q and elicited strong ZE3-specific antibody titers that correlated with ZIKV neutralization. When either N-RIC or C-RIC was codelivered with plant-produced hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particles (VLP) displaying ZE3, the combination elicited 5-fold greater antibody titers (>1,000,000) and more strongly neutralized ZIKV than either RICs or VLPs alone, after only two doses without adjuvant. These findings demonstrate that antigens that require a free N-terminus for optimal antigen display can now be used with the RIC system, and that plant-made RICs and VLPs are highly effective vaccines targeting ZE3. Thus, the RIC platform can be more generally applied to a wider variety of antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Diamos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Mary D Pardhe
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Haiyan Sun
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Joseph G L Hunter
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Tsafrir Mor
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Lydia Meador
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Jacquelyn Kilbourne
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Qiang Chen
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Hugh S Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States.
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Abstract
Mucosal surfaces are the interface between the host’s internal milieu and the external environment, and they have dual functions, serving as physical barriers to foreign antigens and as accepting sites for vital materials. Mucosal vaccines are more favored to prevent mucosal infections from the portal of entry. Although mucosal vaccination has many advantages, licensed mucosal vaccines are scarce. The most widely studied mucosal routes are oral and intranasal. Licensed oral and intranasal vaccines are composed mostly of whole cell killed or live attenuated microorganisms serving as both delivery systems and built-in adjuvants. Future mucosal vaccines should be made with more purified antigen components, which will be relatively less immunogenic. To induce robust protective immune responses against well-purified vaccine antigens, an effective mucosal delivery system is an essential requisite. Recent developments in biomaterials and nanotechnology have enabled many innovative mucosal vaccine trials. For oral vaccination, the vaccine delivery system should be able to stably carry antigens and adjuvants and resist harsh physicochemical conditions in the stomach and intestinal tract. Besides many nano/microcarrier tools generated by using natural and chemical materials, the development of oral vaccine delivery systems using food materials should be more robustly researched to expand vaccine coverage of gastrointestinal infections in developing countries. For intranasal vaccination, the vaccine delivery system should survive the very active mucociliary clearance mechanisms and prove safety because of the anatomical location of nasal cavity separated by a thin barrier. Future mucosal vaccine carriers, regardless of administration routes, should have certain common characteristics. They should maintain stability in given environments, be mucoadhesive, and have the ability to target specific tissues and cells.
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Maharjan PM, Choe S. Transient expression of hemagglutinin antigen from canine influenza virus H3N2 in Nicotiana benthamiana and Lactuca sativa. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2019; 8:124-131. [PMID: 31406694 PMCID: PMC6689504 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2019.8.2.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Canine influenza virus (CIV), H3N2, carries potentiality for zoonotic transmission and genetic assortment which raises a concern on possible epidemics, and human threats in future. To manage possible threats, the development of rapid and effective methods of CIV vaccine production is required. The plant provides economical, safe, and robust production platform. We investigated whether hemagglutinin (HA) antigen from Korea-originated CIV could be produced in Nicotiana benthamiana and lettuce, Lactuca sativa by a DNA viral vector system. Materials and Methods We used DNA sequences of the HA gene from Korean CIV strain influenza A/canine/Korea/S3001/2015 (H3N2) for cloning into a geminiviral expression vectors to express recombinant HA (rHA) antigen in the plant. Agrobacterium-mediated infiltration was performed to introduce HA-carrying vector into host plants cells. Laboratory-grown N. benthamiana, and grocery-purchased or hydroponically-grown lettuce plant leaves were used as host plants. Results CIV rHA antigen was successfully expressed in host plant species both N. benthamiana and L. sativa by geminiviral vector. Both complex-glycosylated and basal-glycosylated form of rHA were produced in lettuce, depending on presence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal. In terms of rHA expression level, canine HA (H3N2) showed preference to the native signal peptide than ER retention signal peptide in the tested geminiviral vector system. Conclusion Grocery-purchased lettuce leaves could serve as an instant host system for the transient expression of influenza antigen at the time of emergency. The geminiviral vector was able to induce expression of complex-glycosylated and basal-glycosylated rHA in lettuce and tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puna Maya Maharjan
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,G+FLAS Life Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sunghwa Choe
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,G+FLAS Life Sciences, Seoul, Korea
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Muthamilselvan T, Kim JS, Cheong G, Hwang I. Production of recombinant proteins through sequestration in chloroplasts: a strategy based on nuclear transformation and post-translational protein import. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2019; 38:825-833. [PMID: 31139894 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-019-02431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Recently, plants have emerged as a lucrative alternative system for the production of recombinant proteins, as recombinant proteins produced in plants are safer and cheaper than those produced in bacteria and animal cell-based production systems. To obtain high yields in plants, recombinant proteins are produced in chloroplasts using different strategies. The first strategy is based on chloroplast transformation, followed by gene expression and translation in chloroplasts. This has proven to be a powerful approach for the production of proteins at high levels. The second approach is based on nuclear transformation, followed by post-translational import of proteins from the cytosol into chloroplasts. In the nuclear transformation approach, foreign genes are stably integrated into the nuclear genome or transiently expressed in the nucleus by non-integrating T-DNA. Although this approach also has great potential for protein production at high levels, it has not been thoroughly investigated. In this review, we focus on nuclear transformation-based protein expression and its subsequent sequestration in chloroplasts, and summarize the different strategies used for high-level production of recombinant proteins. We also discuss future directions for further improvements in protein production in chloroplasts through nuclear transformation-based gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thangarasu Muthamilselvan
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
| | - Jung Sun Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju, 54874, South Korea
| | - Gangwon Cheong
- Department of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Inhwan Hwang
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea.
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The Antigenic Topology of Norovirus as Defined by B and T Cell Epitope Mapping: Implications for Universal Vaccines and Therapeutics. Viruses 2019; 11:v11050432. [PMID: 31083353 PMCID: PMC6563215 DOI: 10.3390/v11050432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human norovirus (HuNoV) is the leading cause of acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis. Vaccine design has been confounded by the antigenic diversity of these viruses and a limited understanding of protective immunity. We reviewed 77 articles published since 1988 describing the isolation, function, and mapping of 307 unique monoclonal antibodies directed against B cell epitopes of human and murine noroviruses representing diverse Genogroups (G). Of these antibodies, 91, 153, 21, and 42 were reported as GI-specific, GII-specific, MNV GV-specific, and G cross-reactive, respectively. Our goal was to reconstruct the antigenic topology of noroviruses in relationship to mapped epitopes with potential for therapeutic use or inclusion in universal vaccines. Furthermore, we reviewed seven published studies of norovirus T cell epitopes that identified 18 unique peptide sequences with CD4- or CD8-stimulating activity. Both the protruding (P) and shell (S) domains of the major capsid protein VP1 contained B and T cell epitopes, with the majority of neutralizing and HBGA-blocking B cell epitopes mapping in or proximal to the surface-exposed P2 region of the P domain. The majority of broadly reactive B and T cell epitopes mapped to the S and P1 arm of the P domain. Taken together, this atlas of mapped B and T cell epitopes offers insight into the promises and challenges of designing universal vaccines and immunotherapy for the noroviruses.
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Kopertekh L, Schiemann J. Transient Production of Recombinant Pharmaceutical Proteins in Plants: Evolution and Perspectives. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:365-380. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170718114724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
During the last two decades, the production of pharmaceutical proteins in plants
evolved from proof of concept to established technology adopted by several biotechnological
companies. This progress is particularly based on intensive research starting stable genetic
transformation and moving to transient expression. Due to its advantages in yield and
speed of protein production transient expression platforms became the leading plant-based
manufacturing technology. Current transient expression methods rely on Agrobacteriummediated
delivery of expression vectors into plant cells. In recent years, great advances have
been made in the improvement of expression vectors, host cell engineering as well as in the
development of commercial manufacturing processes. Several GMP-certified large-scale
production facilities exist around the world to utilize agroinfiltration method. A number of
pharmaceutical proteins produced by transient expression are currently in clinical development.
The great potential of transient expression platform in respect to rapid response to
emerging pandemics was demonstrated by the production of experimental ZMapp antibodies
against Ebola virus as well as influenza vaccines. This review is focused on current design,
status and future perspectives of plant transient expression system for the production
of biopharmaceutical proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilya Kopertekh
- Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Erwin-Baur- Str. 27, D-06484, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Schiemann
- Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Erwin-Baur- Str. 27, D-06484, Quedlinburg, Germany
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Diamos AG, Larios D, Brown L, Kilbourne J, Kim HS, Saxena D, Palmer KE, Mason HS. Vaccine synergy with virus-like particle and immune complex platforms for delivery of human papillomavirus L2 antigen. Vaccine 2019; 37:137-144. [PMID: 30459071 PMCID: PMC6291209 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Diverse HPV subtypes are responsible for considerable disease burden worldwide, necessitating safe, cheap, and effective vaccines. The HPV minor capsid protein L2 is a promising candidate to create broadly protective HPV vaccines, though it is poorly immunogenic by itself. To create highly immunogenic and safe vaccine candidates targeting L2, we employed a plant-based recombinant protein expression system to produce two different vaccine candidates: L2 displayed on the surface of hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particles (VLPs) or L2 genetically fused to an immunoglobulin capable of forming recombinant immune complexes (RIC). Both vaccine candidates were potently immunogenic in mice, but were especially so when delivered together, generating very consistent and high antibody titers directed against HPV L2 (>1,000,000) that correlated with virus neutralization. These data indicate a novel immune response synergy upon co-delivery of VLP and RIC platforms, a strategy that can be adapted generally for many different antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Diamos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU; and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Dalia Larios
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU; and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Lauren Brown
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU; and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Jacquelyn Kilbourne
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU; and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Hyun Soon Kim
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, KRIBB, Gwahang-ro 125, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Divyasha Saxena
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States, Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States, Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
| | - Hugh S Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU; and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States.
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35
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Diamos AG, Mason HS. High-level expression and enrichment of norovirus virus-like particles in plants using modified geminiviral vectors. Protein Expr Purif 2018; 151:86-92. [PMID: 29908914 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) are proven to be safe and effective vaccine candidates. We have previously described a plant-based recombinant protein expression system based on agroinfiltration of a replicating vector derived from the geminivirus bean yellow dwarf virus (BeYDV). The system has been systematically optimized to improve expression and reduce cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Using these modifications, we show that VLPs derived from genotype GII.4 norovirus, the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, can be produced at >1 mg/g leaf fresh weight (LFW), over three times the highest level ever reported in plant-based systems. We also produced norovirus GI VLPs at 2.3 mg/g LFW. Treatment of VLP-containing crude leaf extracts with acid, detergent, or heat enhanced recovery and allowed selective enrichment of norovirus VLPs. Optimal treatment conditions allowed removal of >90% of endogenous plant proteins without any loss of norovirus VLPs. Selective enrichment of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) VLPs by acid treatment was also demonstrated, with some losses in yield that were partially mitigated in the presence of detergent. Sedimentation analysis confirmed that acid and detergent did not inhibit proper assembly of norovirus VLPs, although heat treatment had a small negative effect. These results demonstrate that milligram quantities of norovirus VLPs can be obtained and highly enriched in a matter of days from a single plant leaf using the BeYDV plant expression system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Diamos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Hugh S Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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36
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Mattison CP, Cardemil CV, Hall AJ. Progress on norovirus vaccine research: public health considerations and future directions. Expert Rev Vaccines 2018; 17:773-784. [PMID: 30092671 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2018.1510327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Noroviruses are the leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide, account for approximately one-fifth of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases globally, and cause a substantial economic burden. Candidate norovirus vaccines are in development, but there is currently no licensed vaccine. AREAS COVERED Noroviruses cause approximately 684 million cases and 212,000 deaths per year across all age groups, though burden estimates vary by study and region. Challenges to vaccine research include substantial and rapidly evolving genetic diversity, short-term and homotypic immunity to infection, and the absence of a single, well-established correlate of protection. Nonetheless, several norovirus vaccine candidates are currently in development, utilizing virus-like particles (VLPs), P particles, and recombinant adenoviruses. Of these, a bivalent GI.1/GII.4 VLP-based intramuscular vaccine (Phase IIb) and GI.1 oral vaccine (Phase I) are in clinical trials. EXPERT COMMENTARY A norovirus vaccine should target high-risk populations, including the young and the elderly, and protect them against the most common circulating norovirus strains. A norovirus vaccine would be a powerful tool in the prevention and control of norovirus while lessening the burden of AGE worldwide. However, more robust burden and cost estimates are needed to justify investments in and guide norovirus vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire P Mattison
- a Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education , Oak Ridge , TN , USA.,b Division of Viral Diseases, Viral Gastroenteritis Branch , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
| | - Cristina V Cardemil
- b Division of Viral Diseases, Viral Gastroenteritis Branch , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
| | - Aron J Hall
- b Division of Viral Diseases, Viral Gastroenteritis Branch , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , USA
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37
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Yamamoto T, Hoshikawa K, Ezura K, Okazawa R, Fujita S, Takaoka M, Mason HS, Ezura H, Miura K. Improvement of the transient expression system for production of recombinant proteins in plants. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4755. [PMID: 29555968 PMCID: PMC5859073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23024-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
An efficient and high yielding expression system is required to produce recombinant proteins. Furthermore, the transient expression system can be used to identify the localization of proteins in plant cells. In this study, we demonstrated that combination of a geminiviral replication and a double terminator dramatically enhanced the transient protein expression level in plants. The GFP protein was expressed transiently in lettuce, Nicotiana benthamiana, tomatoes, eggplants, hot peppers, melons, and orchids with agroinfiltration. Compared to a single terminator, a double terminator enhanced the expression level. A heat shock protein terminator combined with an extensin terminator resulted in the highest protein expression. Transiently expressed GFP was confirmed by immunoblot analysis with anti-GFP antibodies. Quantitative analysis revealed that the geminiviral vector with a double terminator resulted in the expression of at least 3.7 mg/g fresh weight of GFP in Nicotiana benthamiana, approximately 2-fold that of the geminiviral vector with a single terminator. These results indicated that combination of the geminiviral replication and a double terminator is a useful tool for transient expression of the gene of interest in plant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Ken Hoshikawa
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ezura
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Risa Okazawa
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fujita
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Miyo Takaoka
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Hugh S Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy (CIVV), The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Hiroshi Ezura
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Kenji Miura
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan.
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Kuo SY, Lin YC, Lai YC, Liao JT, Hsu YH, Huang HC, Hu CC. Production of fluorescent antibody-labeling proteins in plants using a viral vector and the application in the detection of Acidovorax citrulli and Bamboo mosaic virus. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192455. [PMID: 29408944 PMCID: PMC5800667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Serological methods are relatively convenient and simple for the detection of pathogens for front-line workers. On-site visualization of the test results plays a pivotal role in the process. However, an efficient, universal labeling agent for antibodies is needed for the development of efficient serological detection tools. In this study, a Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV)-based viral vector was employed to express recombinant proteins, collectively designated GfED, consisting of Staphylococcus aureus Protein A domain ED (SpaED) fused to either the N- or C-terminal of an improved green florescent protein (GFP) with or without the coat protein (CP) of BaMV, efficiently in Chenopodium quinoa. The GfED in crude leaf extracts could specifically attach to IgG molecules of rabbits and mice, effectively labeling IgG with GFP, emitting green light at 506 nm when excited at 450 nm using simple, handheld equipment. To demonstrate the applicability of GfED in serological assays, we have developed a fluorescent dot blot assay for the rapid detection of Acidovorax citrulli (Ac), a bacterial pathogen of cucurbits, and BaMV, a viral pathogen of bamboos. By using the crude extracts of inoculated C. quinoa leaves expressing GfED as an IgG-labeling agent, the pathogens were easily and quickly detected through uncomplicated operations using simple equipment, with results observable by the naked eye. Examination using fluorescent microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the GfED subunits may assemble into virus-like particles, which were further involved in the formation of aggregates of GfED-antibody-antigen complexes with the potential for fluorescence signal enhancement. The results suggested that plant-expressed GfED may serve as a promising alternative of IgG-labeling agent for current serological assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Yi Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chuen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Lai
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Teh Liao
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Heiu Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiou-Chen Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chi Hu
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Yang M, Sun H, Lai H, Hurtado J, Chen Q. Plant-produced Zika virus envelope protein elicits neutralizing immune responses that correlate with protective immunity against Zika virus in mice. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2018; 16:572-580. [PMID: 28710796 PMCID: PMC5768464 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The global Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak and its link to foetal and newborn microcephaly and severe neurological complications in adults call for the urgent development of ZIKV vaccines. In response, we developed a subunit vaccine based on the ZIKV envelope (E) protein and investigated its immunogenicity in mice. Transient expression of ZIKV E (zE) resulted in its rapid accumulation in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Biochemical analysis revealed that plant-produced ZIKV E (PzE) exhibited specific binding to a panel of monoclonal antibodies that recognize various zE conformational epitopes. Furthermore, PzE can be purified to >90% homogeneity with a one-step Ni2+ affinity chromatography process. PzE are found to be highly immunogenic, as two doses of PzE elicited both potent zE-specific antibody and cellular immune responses in mice. The delivery of PzE with alum induced a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response, as the antigen-specific IgG isotypes were a mixture of high levels of IgG1/IgG2c and splenocyte cultures from immunized mice secreted significant levels of IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-6. Most importantly, the titres of zE-specific and neutralizing antibodies exceeded the threshold that correlates with protective immunity against multiple strains of ZIKV. Thus, our results demonstrated the feasibility of plant-produced ZIKV protein antigen as effective, safe and affordable vaccines against ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- The Biodesign InstituteArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| | - Haiyan Sun
- The Biodesign InstituteArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| | - Huafang Lai
- The Biodesign InstituteArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| | | | - Qiang Chen
- The Biodesign InstituteArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
- School of Life SciencesArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
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40
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Development of Antibody Therapeutics against Flaviviruses. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 19:ijms19010054. [PMID: 29295568 PMCID: PMC5796004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) highlight the urgent need to develop efficacious interventions against flaviviruses, many of which cause devastating epidemics around the world. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have been at the forefront of treatment for cancer and a wide array of other diseases due to their specificity and potency. While mammalian cell-produced mAbs have shown promise as therapeutic candidates against several flaviviruses, their eventual approval for human application still faces several challenges including their potential risk of predisposing treated patients to more severe secondary infection by a heterologous flavivirus through antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). The high cost associated with mAb production in mammalian cell cultures also poses a challenge for the feasible application of these drugs to the developing world where the majority of flavivirus infection occurs. Here, we review the current therapeutic mAb candidates against various flaviviruses including West Nile (WNV), Dengue virus (DENV), and ZIKV. The progress of using plants for developing safer and more economical mAb therapeutics against flaviviruses is discussed within the context of their expression, characterization, downstream processing, neutralization, and in vivo efficacy. The progress of using plant glycoengineering to address ADE, the major impediment of flavivirus therapeutic development, is highlighted. These advancements suggest that plant-based systems are excellent alternatives for addressing the remaining challenges of mAb therapeutic development against flavivirus and may facilitate the eventual commercialization of these drug candidates.
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Masavuli MG, Wijesundara DK, Torresi J, Gowans EJ, Grubor-Bauk B. Preclinical Development and Production of Virus-Like Particles As Vaccine Candidates for Hepatitis C. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2413. [PMID: 29259601 PMCID: PMC5723323 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infects 2% of the world’s population and is the leading cause of liver disease and liver transplantation. It poses a serious and growing worldwide public health problem that will only be partially addressed with the introduction of new antiviral therapies. However, these treatments will not prevent re-infection particularly in high risk populations. The introduction of a HCV vaccine has been predicted, using simulation models in a high risk population, to have a significant effect on reducing the incidence of HCV. A vaccine with 50 to 80% efficacy targeted to high-risk intravenous drug users could dramatically reduce HCV incidence in this population. Virus like particles (VLPs) are composed of viral structural proteins which self-assemble into non-infectious particles that lack genetic material and resemble native viruses. Thus, VLPs represent a safe and highly immunogenic vaccine delivery platform able to induce potent adaptive immune responses. Currently, many VLP-based vaccines have entered clinical trials, while licensed VLP vaccines for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV) have been in use for many years. The HCV core, E1 and E2 proteins can self-assemble into immunogenic VLPs while inclusion of HCV antigens into heterogenous (chimeric) VLPs is also a promising approach. These VLPs are produced using different expression systems such as bacterial, yeast, mammalian, plant, or insect cells. Here, this paper will review HCV VLP-based vaccines and their immunogenicity in animal models as well as the different expression systems used in their production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makutiro Ghislain Masavuli
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Danushka K Wijesundara
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Joseph Torresi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric J Gowans
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Branka Grubor-Bauk
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Singh A, Kaur G, Singh S, Singh N, Saxena G, Verma PC. Recombinant Plant Engineering for Immunotherapeutic Production. CURRENT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS 2017; 3:306-316. [PMID: 32226727 PMCID: PMC7099902 DOI: 10.1007/s40610-017-0078-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The requirement for large quantities of therapeutic proteins has fueled a great interest in the production of recombinant proteins in plant bioreactors. The vaccines and bio-therapeutic protein production in plants hold the promise of significantly lowering the cost of manufacturing life-saving drugs. This review will reflect the current status and challenges that the molecular farming platform faces becoming a strategic solution for the development of low-cost bio-therapeutics for developing countries. RECENT FINDINGS Different plant parts have been successfully identified as suitable expression systems for the commercial production of therapeutic proteins for some human and animal diseases ranging from common cold to AIDS. The processed therapeutics from such sources are devoid of any toxic components. The large-scale cultivation of these transgenic plants would be possible anywhere in the world including developing countries, which lack sophisticated drug manufacturing units. A couple of such commercially generated products have already hit the market with success. Newer methods using suitable plant viruses and recombinant gene expression systems have already been devised for producing therapeutic proteins and peptides. SUMMARY Plants are promising bio-factories for therapeutic protein production because of their several advantages over the other expression systems especially the advanced mechanisms for protein synthesis and post-translational modification which are very much similar to animal cells. Plant biotechnologists are much attracted to the bio-farming because of its flexibility, scalability, low manufacturing cost, as well as the lack of risk of toxic or pathogenic contamination. A number of projects on bio-farming are designed and are at various developmental stages but have not yet become available to the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, we need further advancement in the optimization of lab protocols for up-scaling the production of such therapeutics at commercial level with a promise to offer their best clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Singh
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, 110025 India
| | - Gurminder Kaur
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125, Noida, 201303 India
| | - Sanchita Singh
- Genetics and Plant Molecular Biology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, U.P 226001 India
| | - Neetu Singh
- Instrumentation Research Facility, Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067 India
| | - Gauri Saxena
- Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226001 India
| | - Praveen C. Verma
- Genetics and Plant Molecular Biology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, U.P 226001 India
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Yang M, Lai H, Sun H, Chen Q. Virus-like particles that display Zika virus envelope protein domain III induce potent neutralizing immune responses in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7679. [PMID: 28794424 PMCID: PMC5550446 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08247-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Several Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccine candidates have recently been described which use inactivated whole virus, DNA or RNA that express the virus' Envelope (E) glycoprotein as the antigen. These were successful in stimulating production of virus-targeted antibodies that protected animals against ZIKV challenges, but their use potentially will predispose vaccinated individuals to infection by the related Dengue virus (DENV). We have devised a virus like particle (VLP) carrier based on the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) that displays the ZIKV E protein domain III (zDIII), and shown that it can be produced quickly and easily purified in large quantities from Nicotiana benthamiana plants. HBcAg-zDIII VLPs are shown to be highly immunogenic, as two doses elicited potent humoral and cellular responses in mice that exceed the threshold correlated with protective immunity against multiple strains of Zika virus. Notably, HBcAg-zDIII VLPs-elicited antibodies did not enhance the infection of DENV in Fc gamma receptor-expressing cells, offsetting the concern of ZIKV vaccines inducing cross-reactive antibodies and sensitizing people to subsequent DENV infection. Thus, our zDIII-based vaccine offers improved safety and lower cost production than other current alternatives, with equivalent effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Huafang Lai
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Haiyan Sun
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Qiang Chen
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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Plant Virus Expression Vectors: A Powerhouse for Global Health. Biomedicines 2017; 5:biomedicines5030044. [PMID: 28758953 PMCID: PMC5618302 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines5030044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-made biopharmaceuticals have long been considered a promising technology for providing inexpensive and efficacious medicines for developing countries, as well as for combating pandemic infectious diseases and for use in personalized medicine. Plant virus expression vectors produce high levels of pharmaceutical proteins within a very short time period. Recently, plant viruses have been employed as nanoparticles for novel forms of cancer treatment. This review provides a glimpse into the development of plant virus expression systems both for pharmaceutical production as well as for immunotherapy.
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Prospects and Challenges in the Development of a Norovirus Vaccine. Clin Ther 2017; 39:1537-1549. [PMID: 28756066 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Norovirus is the leading cause of acute epidemic gastroenteritis among children under the age of 5 years and adults in the United States and in adults worldwide, accounting for an estimated 20% of episodes of acute gastroenteritis across all ages. No effective vaccine is presently available. This article provides an overview of the current state of norovirus vaccine development, emphasizing barriers and challenges in the development of an effective vaccine, correlates of protection used to assess vaccine efficacy, and the results of clinical trials of the major candidate vaccines. METHODS We performed an unstructured literature review of published articles listed in PubMed in the field of norovirus vaccine development, with an emphasis on studies in humans. FINDINGS Two candidate vaccines have reached clinical trials, and a number of other candidates are in the preclinical stages of development. Multivalent vaccination may be effective in inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies protective against challenge with novel and heterologous norovirus strains. Most identified correlates of protection have not been validated in large-scale challenge studies, nor have the degrees to which these correlates covary been assessed. IMPLICATIONS Immune correlates of protection against norovirus infection need to be further developed to facilitate additional studies of the tolerability and efficacy of candidate norovirus vaccines in humans.
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González-Gamboa I, Manrique P, Sánchez F, Ponz F. Plant-made potyvirus-like particles used for log-increasing antibody sensing capacity. J Biotechnol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2017.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Yang M, Dent M, Lai H, Sun H, Chen Q. Immunization of Zika virus envelope protein domain III induces specific and neutralizing immune responses against Zika virus. Vaccine 2017; 35:4287-4294. [PMID: 28669618 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we described the generation and immunogenicity of the Zika Virus (ZIKV) envelope protein (E) domain III (DIII) as a protein subunit vaccine candidate. ZIKV EDIII (zEDIII) was rapidly produced in E. coli in inclusion bodies. ZIKV EDIII was solubilized, refolded and purified to >95% homogeneity with a one-step Ni2+ affinity chromatography process. Further analysis revealed that zEDIII was refolded properly and demonstrated specific binding to an anti-zEDIII monoclonal antibody that recognizes a zEDIII conformational epitope. Subcutaneous immunization of mice with 25 and 50μg of zEDIII was performed over a period of 11weeks. zEDIII evoked ZIKV-specific and neutralizing antibody response with titers that exceed the threshold that correlates with protective immunity against ZIKV. The antigen-specific IgG isotypes were predominantly IgG1 and splenocyte cultures from immunized mice secreted IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-6. Notably, zEDIII-elicited antibodies did not enhance the infection of dengue virus in Fc gamma receptor (FcγR)-expressing cells. This study provided a proof of principle for the further development of recombinant protein-based subunit vaccines against ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Matthew Dent
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Huafang Lai
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Haiyan Sun
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Qiang Chen
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
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Gupta N, Lainson JC, Belcher PE, Shen L, Mason HS, Johnston SA, Diehnelt CW. Cross-Reactive Synbody Affinity Ligands for Capturing Diverse Noroviruses. Anal Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b01337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Gupta
- Biodesign
Institute Center for Innovations in Medicine, and ‡Biodesign Institute
Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, and School of
Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - John C. Lainson
- Biodesign
Institute Center for Innovations in Medicine, and ‡Biodesign Institute
Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, and School of
Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Paul E. Belcher
- Biodesign
Institute Center for Innovations in Medicine, and ‡Biodesign Institute
Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, and School of
Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Luhui Shen
- Biodesign
Institute Center for Innovations in Medicine, and ‡Biodesign Institute
Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, and School of
Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Hugh S. Mason
- Biodesign
Institute Center for Innovations in Medicine, and ‡Biodesign Institute
Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, and School of
Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Stephen Albert Johnston
- Biodesign
Institute Center for Innovations in Medicine, and ‡Biodesign Institute
Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, and School of
Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Chris W. Diehnelt
- Biodesign
Institute Center for Innovations in Medicine, and ‡Biodesign Institute
Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, and School of
Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
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Giritch A, Klimyuk V, Gleba Y. 125 years of virology and ascent of biotechnologies based on viral expressio. CYTOL GENET+ 2017. [DOI: 10.3103/s0095452717020037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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50
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Nausch H, Broer I. Cyanophycinase CphE from P. alcaligenes produced in different compartments of N. benthamiana degrades high amounts of cyanophycin in plant extracts. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 101:2397-2413. [PMID: 27942753 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-8020-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
One of the major constraints in pig and poultry farming is the supply of protein-rich forage, containing sufficient amounts of key amino acids such as arginine (Ufaz and Galili 2008). Since these are underrepresented in plant proteins, the usage of plants as feed is limited. The heterologous production of the cyanobacterial storage polymer cyanophycin granule polypeptide (CGP) in plastids increases the amount of arginine substantially (Huhns et al. 2008; Huhns et al. 2009; Nausch et al. 2016a). CGP degradation releases arginine-aspartate dipeptides. CGP is stable in plants because its degradation is exclusively restricted to bacterial cyanophycinases (CGPases; Law et al. 2009). Since animals are also unable to digest CGP, CGPases need to be co-delivered with CGP-containing plant feed in order to release the dipeptides in the gastrointestinal tract of animals during digestion. Therefore, an extracellular CGPase, CphE from Pseudomonas alcaligenes DIP-1, was targeted to the cytosol, ER, and apoplasm of Nicotiana benthamiana. Translocation to the chloroplast was not successful. Although CphE accumulated in high amounts in the cytosol, only moderate levels were present in the ER, while the enzyme was nearly undetectable in the apoplasm. This correlates with the higher instability of post-translationally modified CphE in crude plant extracts. In addition, the production in the ER led to an increased number and size of necroses compared with cytosolic expression and might therefore interfere with the endogenous metabolism in the ER. Due to the high and robust enzyme activity, even moderate CphE concentrations were sufficient to degrade CGP in plant extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Nausch
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Agrobiotechnology and Risk Assessment for Bio- und Gene Technology, University of Rostock, Justus-von-Liebig Weg 8, 18059, Rostock, VM, Germany.
| | - Inge Broer
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Agrobiotechnology and Risk Assessment for Bio- und Gene Technology, University of Rostock, Justus-von-Liebig Weg 8, 18059, Rostock, VM, Germany
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